Junior National Account Manager, Discount & Wholesale

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high-quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves on being listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

The role: As the Account Manager for Discount & Wholesale, you will work with the Controller to establish and lead the strategic framework for this newly created business channel, following the acquisition of Bondi Sands. You will have P&L responsibility for two channels (Value Retail and Wholesale) and develop relationships and profitable growth plans. As the channel and customer expert, you will help the business identify growth opportunities and lead the go-to-market plans/projects from concept to launch. In addition to this, you will take ownership of the residual inventory (SLOB) process. You will be part of an experienced, collaborative team and be supported along the way.

What you will do:

• Deliver/exceed budgeted Net Sales, Trade Spend, and Marginal Income of KAO brands within the account.
• Lead the development of customer relationships and bring the sector strategy to life.
• Business planning and forecasting, pricing, and invoice management (10%).
• Collaborate with internal Marketing, Category, and Trade Marketing to accomplish specific brand activations plans.
• Contribute positively to the total UK Consumer Care team via multifunctional project-based work.
• Full P&L responsibility for Discount & Wholesale customers.
• Selling and Negotiation of Range, Distribution, Placement & Pricing.
• Monthly commercial discipline - Business planning, forecasting, pricing, and invoice management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams Marketing, Category, Supply Chain, and Trade Marketing to implement retail channel specific plans/projects.
• Lead the residual inventory (SLOB) process and meet pre-defined targets.
• Provide business updates to peers and senior stakeholders within the business.
• Contribute positively to the total UK consumer care business through cross-functional workstreams/forums.

What you will need:

• BSc/BA Hons degree or equivalent.
• 18-24 months of Account Executive/Management experience in a branded FMCG environment.
• Experience working with Health & Beauty brands in Value & Wholesale customers is preferable, but not essential.
• Experience of the account management fundamentals e.g. P&L ownership, planning & forecasting, invoice management, insight-based selling, and negotiation.
• Experience establishing communication and engagement with prospects and high personal credibility is required.
• Experience of working with P&Ls to structure business proposals and decisions, underpinned by accurate commercial modelling.
• The ability to proactively drive a growth agenda through the business and execute with excellence.
• Intermediate Excel Skills.

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development, and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao, your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.